Braddock wellness-center grant: $1.425M awarded; district outlines phased implementation and budget status

District staff told the board that Braddock Elementary received a $1,425,000 community-schools grant in November 2024 to develop a wellness center on campus.

Dr. Valdez and consultant Mr. McAlpin described the project’s purpose as removing barriers to learning by addressing students’ physical, emotional and social needs. They said a physical space has been identified, clerical staff have been hired to support implementation, and project planning is now in Phase 3 (approvals and bidding) following planning and design work.

Finance staff reported $8,500 spent last year on branding and designs and $587 in indirect costs, for total 2024–25 expenses of $9,087.35. The presenter explained that the district budgets $239,743 for the community-schools activities in 2025–26 while the remaining grant funds remain available; the presenter used accounting terms such as encumbrances and fund-balance reporting to explain why the grant revenue appears on the 2024–25 report and is not repeated in later-year budget reports.

Next implementation steps include reconstituting a steering team of staff, parents and community members, conducting a comprehensive needs and assets assessment, updating the implementation timeline with the site principal and starting small (parent workshops, health resources and after-school programs) so services can begin before the building hub is finished.

Trustees asked clarifying questions; staff said they will return with updated timelines and financial details as work progresses.